Despite sometimes sailing under the radar, the boutique – or “small ship” – cruising sector has a bright future ahead of it. Will Payne sits down with industry leaders to map the market segment’s exciting trajectory and what opportunities it presents for agents

It’s safe to say cruise is having it’s time in the sun. Demand is soaring, ships are filling up and more and more Brits are coming around to the wonders of seeing the world by sea. And the proof is in the pudding. Managing director of CLIA UK and Ireland Andy Harmer told Cruise Trade News that the association has seen an increase in the number of agents who typically sell land-based breaks venturing into the ocean-going holiday sector.

It’s clear agents across the UK are benefitting from the steady increase in popularity of cruises of all shapes and sizes. However, there is one market segment which – despite a recent uptick in popularity – is still sailing under the radar.

The “small ship” sector – typically sailing with less than 400 passengers on any given ship to smaller, off-the-beaten-track ports – has, in recent years, posted steady growth, with more travellers looking for intimate holiday experiences.

To learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing this growing sector, Cruise Trade News hosted a roundtable discussion with senior leaders from Windstar Cruises, Ponant, Unforgettable Travel Company (UTC), Scenic & Emerald, SeaDream Yacht Club and Atlas Ocean Voyages. Hit “play” below to see how the conversation unfolded.

Anthony Daniels, general manager UK & I, Ponant
Augustus Lonsdale, head of sales UK & I, Windstar Cruises
Nick Hughes, sales, strategy and partnerships director, Scenic and Emerald
Mark Schmitt, sales director UK & I, SeaDream Yacht Club
Graham Carter, chief commercial office, Unforgettable Travel Company
Bernard Carter, international sales consultant, Atlas Ocean Voyages
William Payne, deputy editor, Cruise Trade News